~Teyana’s POV~

Even though Carol kept the car’s AC low, the air felt unusually warm against my skin as she drove us out of my estate. Maybe it was because I hadn’t stepped outside in nearly a week—my body seemed to reject the idea of being exposed again.

Everything outside the window looked too bright. Too fast. Too… open.

Professor Hartley had organized a charity event, and he had insisted that I attend—Carol told me that. Part of me wanted to ignore the invite completely, stay in ...